Nova Scotia teen uses American Sign Language skills to share stories with youth
Kaylee Harding combines her love of reading and her second language, American Sign Language (ASL), by sharing stories with youth across Atlantic Canada.
“If their parents don’t know sign language, it can be really hard for them to enjoy books like you or I would have when we were kids at bedtime, getting read a bedtime story,” she says.
The 16-year-old learned ASL at a young age because a family member is deaf.
Her passion inspired her to get involved with Digitally Lit - an organization focused on literary and digital practices with Atlantic Canadian youth.
From there, the initiative ASL Story Time was born.
“Kaylee came very sincerely with this idea of wanting to bridge the gap for those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing,” explains Robin Grant of Digitally Lit. “And for a person of her age to have that much maturity and insight, I thought it was brilliant. So, we’re really proud of the young people that we work with.”
A partnership was formed with publishers around the region.
Digitally Lit ASL Mentor and Deaf Literacy Specialist Elphege Bernard-Wesson also joined the project.
So far, two of their signed stories are on YouTube with more to come.
It’s a project they’re thrilled to share.
“I’m very happy for this opportunity,” signs Bernard-Wesson. “And I’m hoping that the Atlantic youth understand that all stories come from our hearts. The important part is, it doesn’t matter what form it’s coming from, it all matters.”
While the videos are made for youth, the pair are encouraging everyone to visit Digitally Lit’s YouTube channel and check them out.
“Take it as an opportunity to maybe learn some ASL in a fun and different way,” adds Harding. “Even if it’s just to take someone’s order at a coffee shop.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.